THE Division Two title race is heating up as second placed Haydon Bridge Anchor moved to within six points of table topping Ryton Country House .

The hosts enjoy a three game advantage over their rivals, and put themselves in prime position for the championship after hitting their shocked guests with five unanswered goals.

The division’s leading scorer Kieran Robley was at it again as his hat-trick earned him the man of the match award, and he was joined on the scoresheet by Jason White and Kev MacDonald.

It was a miserable day for Ryton who had two men sent off, Adam Bell named the best of a bad bunch on the morning.

A hat-trick from man of the match Paul Britten guided Hexham Hearts to their first victory in Division One.

The three points in the 3-2 victory over Prudhoe Town was not enough to move them off the foot of the table, but was well received after only gaining one point from their opening 12 games in the higher division.

For Town, man of the match Reece Davies and Martin Nugent found the back of the net.

Marc Nixon struck four times as Barrasford extended their lead at the top of Division B of the Mick Simmons Trophy.

They defeated Division Two side Prudhoe Town East End 7-4, with brother Gary, Will Forsyth and Gary Pigg also netting. Owen Murtough was named star man for the second week running.

It was third time lucky for Crawcrook Fox and Hounds as they won for the first time by defeating Hexhamshire 8-1.

David Findley scored three, man of the match Rikki Kent two and Lee Henderson, Alex Skelton and Scott Fothergill one each. For Hexhamshire, Alex Martin hit a consolation and Nick Coward was man of the match.

Heddon St Andrew’s made it four wins from four at the top of Division A as they put nine without reply past Ponteland United Stamfordham, who were best served by Liam Blair.

Daniel Walker and man of the match Ciaran Porter hit doubles, while Dan Fleming, Mark Murtagh, Michael Connolly, Elliot Price and Tom Apedaile got one each.

Ponteland Village edged out Haltwhistle Railway 2-1 as Ryan Spragg and Kieran Ellis netted, and James Pattson was man of the match. For Haltwhistle, Mark Banks hit a consolation and Jay Pattinson was star man.

The Division One KO Cup semi-final between Haltwhistle Jubilee and Bardon Mill Bowes Lyons was postponed.